Welcome back to Episode 4 of NeuroSpice & Life.

In this episode, we continue the conversation around the harmful label of “lazy” and reframe what is really happening beneath the surface for neurodivergent people. What is often misread as procrastination or lack of motivation is far more commonly overwhelm, neurodivergent burnout, sensory overload, or perfection paralysis.

Join alexithymic counsellor Freya Corboy and sexologist Hanna Hosking as we unpack why burnout in ADHD, autism, and AuDHD can feel so pervasive and difficult to recover from, how unmet sensory needs quietly contribute to exhaustion and shutdown, and why many common coping strategies stop working over time.

This episode supports listeners to understand their nervous system responses, reassess survival-based coping mechanisms, and begin creating sustainable, neurodiversity-affirming change.

✨ This episode introduces the next round of our Spice Jar Tools—practical tools designed for ADHD, autistic, and neurodivergent nervous systems. ✨ Listeners who sign up to our newsletter via our website receive the Spice Jar tips for free, and can also access our Quirkbook through our initial launch offer to continue the work beyond the episode.

In this episode, we discuss:

✨ Why “lazy” is a mislabel for ADHD, autistic, and neurodivergent burnout ✨ The difference between overwhelm, shutdown, burnout, and perfection paralysis ✨ How sensory processing and sensory overload contribute to chronic exhaustion ✨ When coping strategies no longer serve neurodivergent adults ✨ Why “done is better than perfect” when you live with executive dysfunction

Who this episode is for:

Adults navigating ADHD, autism, AuDHD, neurodivergent burnout, sensory overwhelm, executive dysfunction, perfectionism, or chronic stress—and anyone supporting a neurodivergent partner, child, colleague, or client. This episode is ideal for listeners seeking practical, compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming support.

Connect with us:

Website/Quirkbook: neurospiceandlife.com.au YouTube: @NeuroSpiceandLife Freya (Mumshine): mumshine.com.au Hanna (The Sensologist): thesensologist.com.au

References & Further Learning:

• Emily & Amelia Nagoski - Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle • Feminist Survival Podcast — Emily & Amelia Nagoski • Brene Brown — “Paint Done” concept (from Daring Greatly and Rising Strong)

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical, therapeutic, or mental-health advice. It does not replace diagnosis, therapy, or professional support. Please consult a qualified healthcare or mental-health professional for personalised guidance.

Welcome back to Episode 3 of NeuroSpice & Life.

In this episode, we explore one of the most painful and common labels placed on neurodivergent people: “lazy.” For many of us who are ADHD, autistic, AuDHD, dyslexic, anxious, or otherwise neurodivergent, this label shows up when we are actually overwhelmed, burnt out, frozen, masking, or simply misunderstood.

Join alexithymic counsellor Freya Corboy and sexologist Hanna Hosking — two neurodivergent humans who have lived this label — as we unpack why “lazy” is rarely accurate, how it intersects with executive functioning, and what’s happening beneath the surface when motivation disappears.

This episode invites you to gently examine your own relationship with the word lazy, challenge internalised shame, and build a more compassionate understanding of your beautifully wired brain.

✨ Why “lazy” is a mislabel for neurodivergent brains ✨ How shutdowns, freeze, inertia and overwhelm are mistaken for lack of effort ✨ What executive dysfunction actually looks like day to day ✨ How repeated negative labels create internalised shame

Anyone navigating adult ADHD, autism, AuDHD, dyslexia, executive dysfunction, RSD, burnout, or supporting a neurodivergent friend, partner, child, or colleague. This space is for learning, compassion, and real-life neurodiversity-affirming tools.

Website: neurospiceandlife.com.au YouTube: @NeuroSpiceandLife Freya (Mumshine): mumshine.com.au Hanna (The Sensologist): thesensologist.com.au

This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical, therapeutic, or mental-health advice. It does not replace therapy, diagnosis, or professional support. Please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare or mental-health professional for individual support.

Episode 2: Labels — Reframing

If Episode 1 was all about reflecting on the labels we’ve carried, Episode 2 is where we begin to reframe them. Join alexithymic counsellor Freya Corboy and sexologist Hanna Hosking as we move from understanding the origins of our labels to transforming the narratives they’ve created in our lives.

In this episode, we introduce our Spice Jar Tool — practical ways to help you challenge old stories, bring more acceptance to your neurodivergent traits, and shift the meaning of the labels that have shaped your identity. We share step-by-step strategies, lived examples, and real-world language you can use to approach yourself with more compassion, curiosity, and emotional safety.

Whether you’ve spent years feeling “too much,” “not enough,” or constantly misunderstood, this episode gives you the tools to rebuild your relationship with yourself — gently and at your own pace.

Join us as we explore: ✨ How reframing changes the emotional weight of a label ✨ Practical steps for using the Spice Jar Tool in daily life ✨ Why compassion is essential for healing internalised narratives ✨ How acceptance creates room for growth, clarity, and self-trust

This episode is supportive, practical, and deeply human — perfect for anyone craving a new way to understand themselves or the neurodivergent people they love.

Subscribe to our mailing list to get access to our Spice Jar Tools, and our newsletter sent straight to you!

Find out more about us: NeuroSpice & Life - www.neurospiceandlife.com.au YouTube - @NeurospiceandLife Freya (Mumshine) - www.mumshine.com.au Hanna (The Sensologist) - www.thesensologist.com.au

References:

• Instinctive Elaboration — how the brain searches for confirming evidence when given a prompt

• Harvard Business Review — research showing high-performing teams give 5 pieces of praise for every 1 criticism

• The Gottman Institute — findings on divorce predictors, including the ratio of 4 negative to 3 positive interactions

• Dr Ross Greene — collaborative and compassion-based approaches to behaviour (“Kids do well if they can”)

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical, therapeutic, or mental-health advice. It is not a substitute for professional support, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare or mental-health professional regarding any personal concerns or wellbeing needs.